veski fellow and L'Oreal fellow collaborate

Indonesian biochemical engineer Dr Penia Kresnowati will spend two years from 2008 conducting stem-cell related research in Monash University's Department of Chemical Engineering after winning a prestigious UNESCO-L'Oreal Fellowship for Women in Science.

Dr Kresnowati will be working with veski fellow Dr Gareth Forde at the University's Bio Engineering Laboratory (BEL), conducting research into the design of bioreactors for creating health products from stem cells. Dr Kresnowati presented a seminar on her research on the 4th of September 2008 to representatives from L’Oreal, veski, students and staff.

Dr Kresnowati was one of 15 young women from around the world awarded a fellowship, which are worth up to $40,000 and permit the winners to conduct research at a host organisation of their choice outside their home country.

Dr Kresnowati has lectured at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, and has finished research into optimising the production of bio-based products.

"In Monash I found a research group that conducts research in biotechnology from the engineering aspect, which matches my interests very well."

Dr Penia Kresnowati said: "Monash University also provides an atmosphere that welcomes international researchers".